By Wu Qiaoxi | 2026-05-26

A Dutch naval frigate visited Manila as the Netherlands expanded its Indo-Pacific security engagement and weighed more defense cooperation with the Philippines, amid growing European interest in regional maritime security and freedom of navigation.

The frigate HNLMS De Ruyter docked in Manila on May 22 as part of Pacific Archer, the Netherlands' five-month Indo-Pacific deployment mission, according to the Philippine News Agency.

The deployment includes joint maritime activities, tactical drills and port calls across the region, with the Philippines serving as one stop before the vessel joins the 2026 Rim of the Pacific Exercise near Hawaii.

It is a multinational naval exercise involving 31 countries scheduled from June 24 to July 31.

Dutch Ambassador to the Philippines Marielle Geraedts said the Netherlands was considering "all options" to strengthen defense and maritime cooperation with Manila, describing the frigate's visit as "a first step" toward deeper engagement.

"Stability and security in this region [are] also important for the Netherlands. That's why we are considering all options, and I think the frigate visit is a first step," Geraedts said aboard the vessel.

The port call came as the Philippines and the Netherlands marked the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations this year.

The deployment reflects the Netherlands' support for open seas and freedom of navigation, ship commander Rodger de Wit said.

"We're [a] strong supporter of that, and it doesn't matter if that's the North Sea or the South China Sea. That's the reason why we are here as well -- to promote freedom of navigation, keep the seas open, keep the trade going," he said.

Maritime ties

The visit followed May 18 talks on security in The Hague between Philippine Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro and Dutch Foreign Minister Tom Berendsen. Both sides agreed to consider broader cooperation based on their shared strategic concerns in the Indo-Pacific.

They discussed potential cooperation in maritime affairs, legal coordination and regional security initiatives, while reaffirming support for international law and the rules-based order.

Manila views the Indo-Pacific and Europe "not as two separate regions, but as neighbors where the security of one is inextricably linked to the prosperity of the other," Lazaro said.

The two sides expressed support for the 2016 South China Sea arbitral ruling, which threw out China's sweeping "nine-dash line" claims to more than 80% of the South China Sea.

Geraedts separately reaffirmed Dutch support for the arbitral award, the 10th anniversary of which is July 12.

"It is an essential part of the international law of the sea, and we call upon all parties to abide by it," she said.

European outreach

The Dutch deployment comes amid broader European efforts to build security ties with the Philippines.

In March, the Philippines and France signed a Status of Visiting Forces Agreement allowing troops from both countries to participate in joint exercises on each other's territory. Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. has raised the possibility of more military interoperability with NATO and European partners.

Italy has likewise stepped up defense engagement with the Philippines following recent naval deployments and the signing of a Defense Cooperation Agreement with Manila earlier this year.

HNLMS De Ruyter is one of four De Zeven Provinciën-class air defense and command frigates operated by the Dutch navy. Commissioned in 2004, the vessel has long-range air defense and command-and-control systems and carries about 200 personnel as well as an NH90 helicopter.